Have a tip or tweak that worked for you? This is the place to share it. In particular allocatable memory, flash card slot limitations and speeds as well as how to set up a toggle for outdoor viewable video.

Any advice on working keyboards? I've tried a couple different keyboards (one USB, one with a PS/2 - USB converter) to no avail. I'm at the point where I need to buy a keyboard just to get at the BIOS, and I'd prefer to not have to buy 16 different keyboards for this purpose. I'd appreciate any tips on what keyboard is known to work.

I also have never had any issue using native USB keyboards. One of mine is a little annoying in that the function keys need to be enabled on each boot(Media type keyboard). I have to be quick to enable FN-lock then hit the F1 key. So if you are gonna buy one, the simple may be the best.

Nothing is ever easy, but if it is difficult you must be doing it wrong.My Wife's invention Doll Carrier

How do I update the BIOS on a Dell laptop running Windows Vista? My laptop is a Inspiron 1501 running Windows Vista 32-bit Basic Home Edition. I downloaded the update to my desktop from the Dell website, but it won't install. It gives me an error message saying that the BIOS is not flashable. Is there another way to update the BIOS? By the way, my real problem is that my pc doesn't recognize my AC adapter. I did a search and found out that updating the BIOS would fix that problem.

I would contact Dell for support on that one. Normally one flashes a BIOS with a usb thumbdrive that is loaded with bootable DOS. Dell should supply both the .rom file and a bios updating utility like bpupdate. Check their site to see what their recommended procedure is.

I would try another charger if you can find a friend or relative with compatible charger.

Check the voltage output on the center pin to the outer ring it should be approx 5volts if I remember correctly.

I would explore the charger thoroughly before flashing the bios. You can easily brick your MOBO if the flashing does not complete correctly.

Aftermarket chargers are commonly ineffective in Dell's where the smart circuit is very sensitive and needs to be verified by the BIOS. Just another way Dell makes sure they get more money for selling replacement parts. What a great business model!

I have had to jump through hoops several times with this scenario. Sometimes connecting a known good charger is not enough. You may need to remove the battery for a few minutes and then connect the charger then the battery, more hoops, then juggle the charger and hot swap the battery... Hope you get the idea as it has not been well documented nor very scientific.